Health

SNP MP Amy Callaghan has warned that melanoma skin cancer cases will rise if the UK Government does not remove VAT on sunscreen products. She said that sunscreen is a “necessity, not a luxury” and called for it to be exempt from the 20% tax. Sunscreen is a ‘lifesaver’ for people with fair skin Callaghan, who represents East Dunbartonshire, said that she was diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 19 and had to undergo several surgeries and treatments. She said that sunscreen is a “lifesaver” for people with fair skin like her, who are more prone to sunburn and…

As the world marks World AIDS Day on December 1, Scotland stands at a crossroads in its efforts to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. The country has made significant progress in reducing new infections, improving access to treatment and care, and eliminating stigma and discrimination. However, challenges remain, especially in reaching key populations, addressing health inequalities, and ensuring sustainability of the response. Scotland’s achievements and challenges in the HIV response Scotland has been a global leader in the HIV response, being the first country in the world to provide universal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that…

Scotland should not be deterred by the isolated cases of abuse in Canada’s assisted dying system, according to a leading campaigner for the right to die. Sheila Duffy, the chief executive of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said that the Canadian model was “the best in the world” and that the benefits outweighed the risks. Canada’s assisted dying law Canada legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2016, after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the ban on assisted dying violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The law allows eligible adults who are suffering intolerably from a grievous and irremediable medical condition to request and receive help to end their lives.…

Scotland is facing a care home crisis as one in five homes have closed in the past decade, leaving thousands of elderly and vulnerable people without adequate care. A new report by Scottish Care, the representative body for the independent care sector, has warned that the industry is in an “incredibly difficult” position due to funding and staffing challenges, and that smaller, family-run homes in rural areas are the most at risk of closure. Funding gap and staff shortages The report, which was based on the annual Care Home Census for Adults in Scotland, revealed that at 31 March 2021,…

What is causing the shortage of ADHD medication? The global shortage of ADHD medication is due to a combination of manufacturing issues and an increase in demand. According to a National Patient Safety Alert, some of the medicines used to treat ADHD are facing supply disruptions that may last until the end of December. The shortage affects various types of ADHD medication, such as methylphenidate, atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, and guanfacine. How is the shortage affecting people with ADHD? The shortage of ADHD medication is causing anxiety and distress for many people with ADHD and their families. Some NHS staff have been…

How smoke from fireworks and bonfires can trigger asthma attacks and COPD symptoms People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are advised to take extra precautions during Bonfire Night celebrations, as smoke from fireworks and bonfires can worsen their condition and cause potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties. Asthma + Lung UK, a charity that supports people with lung conditions, says that smoke can stay in the air for a long time and create areas of air pollution that can trigger asthma attacks or symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. The charity also warns that cold air and viruses,…

Scotland has launched its first major television campaign on HIV awareness since the UK Government’s Don’t Die Of Ignorance campaign featuring falling tombstones 40 years ago. The new campaign aims to challenge the stigma and misinformation that still surround the virus and inform viewers that people with HIV can live healthy and happy lives. How the new campaign differs from the old one The new campaign, which is funded by the Scottish Government and produced by Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, is based on the direct experiences of people living with HIV in Scotland.…

The Right Care Right Place campaign aims to reduce the pressure on A&E departments and direct people to the most appropriate healthcare settings. What is the Right Care Right Place campaign? The Right Care Right Place campaign is a public information and awareness campaign launched by the Scottish Government ahead of the expected increase in demand for the NHS over winter. The campaign helps people understand which setting is best for their medical concerns, such as NHS Inform website, NHS 24 helpline, pharmacies, GP practices, minor injury units, or A&E departments. The campaign stresses that A&E is only for genuine…

A doctor in Scotland has been suspended and investigated for failing to follow up on the results of colonoscopies he performed on thousands of patients, some of whom developed cancer and died. What is a colonoscopy and why is it important? A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can detect polyps, ulcers, inflammation, bleeding, and cancer. It can also remove polyps or take tissue samples for biopsy. A colonoscopy is recommended for people who have…

What are ultra-processed foods and why are they harmful? Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that have undergone industrial processing and contain additives, such as sugar, salt, fat, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. Examples of UPFs include ice cream, crisps, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, and ready meals. UPFs are widely consumed around the world, especially in developed countries. They account for 58% of calories consumed in the United States, according to a recent study. However, UPFs have been linked to a number of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. They also have a negative impact on mental…